US5601446A - Connector latch and assembly - Google Patents

Connector latch and assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
US5601446A
US5601446A US08/553,162 US55316295A US5601446A US 5601446 A US5601446 A US 5601446A US 55316295 A US55316295 A US 55316295A US 5601446 A US5601446 A US 5601446A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
longitudinal axis
latch member
connector
protuberance
leg
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/553,162
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John O. Wright
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Osram Sylvania Inc
Original Assignee
Osram Sylvania Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Osram Sylvania Inc filed Critical Osram Sylvania Inc
Priority to US08/553,162 priority Critical patent/US5601446A/en
Priority to PCT/US1996/013002 priority patent/WO1997017742A1/en
Priority to JP9518153A priority patent/JP2000500270A/ja
Priority to KR1019980703395A priority patent/KR19990067385A/ko
Priority to EP96926941A priority patent/EP0860037A4/en
Priority to CA002235578A priority patent/CA2235578A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5601446A publication Critical patent/US5601446A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector latch for use with two mating connectors.
  • the present invention also relates to a connector assembly which includes such a connector latch.
  • a typical connector assembly includes a male connector generally in the form of a plug and a female connector generally in the form of a ferrule which forms a socket.
  • the male connector is plugged into the female connector to effect a mechanical and electrical connection between the two.
  • a cable in the form of a coaxial cable is electrically and mechanically attached to one of the connectors such as the male connector, and the other connector, such as the female connector, is electrically and mechanically attached to another coaxial cable or to a circuit such as a circuit on a printed circuit board.
  • An example of such a connector assembly is a typical antenna connector assembly for antenna cables such as those used in the automobile industry for radios.
  • Such a connector assembly typically includes a male connector and a female connector which are mechanically and electrically attached to coaxial cables and in use are mechanically and electrically connected to each other.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a connector latch which requires little effort to engage and disengage.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly which includes such a connector latch.
  • a connector latch which comprises an inner member having a bore which extends therethrough along a longitudinal axis from a first end to an opposite second end.
  • the inner member comprises a first segment and an opposite second segment, the opposite second segment comprising a base portion.
  • the inner member also comprises a plurality of first legs which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the base portion towards the first end. At least one first leg comprises a first protuberance which protrudes towards the longitudinal axis. Such first protuberance is movable towards and away from the longitudinal axis.
  • Each first leg is spaced from an adjacent first leg in a circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis to provide a respective first opening between adjacent legs.
  • An outer sleeve is provided which is concentric with the inner member and includes an inner surface adjacent an outer surface of the inner member.
  • the outer sleeve is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis towards and away from the first protuberance to a first position and second position, respectively.
  • a connector assembly which includes such a connector latch is also provided.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector latch embodying the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the connector latch of FIG. 1 with the outer sleeve 14 removed;
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of the connector latch of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the connector latch of FIG. 1;
  • FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D depict an operational sequence of the assembly of a connector assembly of the present invention, including the connector latch of FIG. 1, viewing such connector latch from the bottom as depicted in FIG. 4.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 depict a connector latch 10 which comprises an inner member 12 and an outer sleeve 14.
  • inner member 12 and outer sleeve 14 are molded from a plastic material which is resilient and flexible.
  • the inner member 12 includes a bore 16 which extends therethrough along a longitudinal axis 18 from a first end 20 to an opposite second end 22.
  • the inner member 12 comprises a first segment 24 and an opposite second segment 26.
  • Segment 26 includes a base portion 28.
  • FIGS. 1 to 4 only the top portion of the inner member 12 is visible.
  • the bottom portion is identical to the top portion as is apparent from FIGS. 3 and 4 which depict top and bottom views of FIG. 1, respectively.
  • the inner member 12 comprises a plurality of first legs which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 18 from the base portion 28 towards first end 20.
  • first legs 30 and 32 which extend in the direction of longitudinal axis 18 from base portion 28 towards first end 20.
  • Each first leg is spaced from an adjacent first leg in a circumferential direction 34 relative to longitudinal axis 18 to provide a respective opening between adjacent legs.
  • legs 30 and 32 are spaced from each other in direction 34 to provide openings 36 and 38 between respective adjacent legs.
  • At least one first leg comprises a first protuberance which protrudes towards the longitudinal axis 18. Such protuberance is movable towards and away from longitudinal axis 18 as described hereinafter.
  • each first leg 30 and 32 includes a respective first protuberance 40 and 42.
  • First protuberances 40 and 42 are positioned opposite to each other relative to longitudinal axis 18.
  • first leg 30 and first leg 32 are pivotal relative to base portion 28 towards and away from the longitudinal axis 18 to respectively move first protuberance 40 and first protuberance 42 towards and away from such longitudinal axis. Since first protuberances 40 and 42 are positioned opposite to each other, such pivotal motion will cause first protuberances 40 and 42 to correspondingly move towards and away from each other.
  • first leg 30 and first leg 32 include respective portions 44 and 46 which extend in the direction of longitudinal axis 18 from base portion 28 away from first end 20.
  • first portion 44 and second portion 46 are movable towards and away from the longitudinal axis 18 to respectively pivot first protuberance 40 and first protuberance 42 away from and towards longitudinal axis 18.
  • grasping portions 44 and 46 between the forefinger and thumb and exerting a force in the direction of respective arrows 48 and 50 will pivot legs 30 and 32, and therefore protuberances 40 and 42, about base portion 28 in the direction of respective arrows 52 and 54.
  • Due to the resilient nature of the material from which the inner member 12 is fabricated releasing such force will permit portions 44 and 46 and the legs 30 and 32, and therefore protuberances 40 and 42, to pivot back to the position which they had before such force was applied.
  • the inner member 12 may further comprise a plurality of second legs, which extend in the direction of longitudinal axis 18 from base portion 28 towards the first end 20, each of which comprises a second protuberance which protrudes towards the longitudinal axis 18 and is movable towards and away from such axis.
  • the inner member 12 includes resilient and flexible second legs 56 and 58 which are positioned respectively in openings 36 and 38.
  • Second leg 56 includes a second protuberance 60
  • second leg 58 includes a second protuberance 62.
  • Protuberances 60 and 62 are spaced from each other in circumferential direction 34 and are positioned opposite to each other relative to longitudinal axis 18 such that movement of legs 56 and 58 towards and away from axis 18 causes protuberances 60 and 62 to move towards and away from each other, respectively.
  • the function of protuberances 60 and 62 will be described hereinafter.
  • Outer sleeve 14 is concentric with the inner member 12 and includes an inner surface 64 which is adjacent an outer surface 66 of the inner member.
  • the outer sleeve 14 includes an open ended cylindrical member 72 into which inner member 12 is inserted such that the outer sleeve may be reciprocated relative to the inner member in directions 68, 70.
  • the outer sleeve 14 is movable in the direction 68 of the longitudinal axis 18 towards the first protuberances 40 and 42 to a first position (FIG. 4) and in the direction 70 of the longitudinal axis 18 away from the first protuberances 40 and 42 to a second position (FIG. 3).
  • the cylindrical member 72 includes appendages 74 and 76 extending therefrom in the direction of longitudinal axis 18 from the cylindrical member towards the end 22 of the inner member 12.
  • Appendages 74 and 76 include respective abutment surfaces 78 and 80.
  • Legs 30 and 32 include respective distal ends having respective outer surfaces which comprise respective ribs 82 and 84 each of which extends away from longitudinal axis 18.
  • the outer sleeve 14 is retained between the ribs 82, 84 and the end 22 of the inner member 12 as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • the base portion 28 comprises stop surfaces 86, 88 and 90, 92 adjacent respective openings 36 and 38. As depicted in FIGS.
  • outer sleeve 14 may be moved in direction 68 until the edge 94 of the cylindrical member 72 engages the ribs 82 and 84, and may be moved in opposite direction 70 until the abutment surfaces 78 and 80 engage respective surface pairs 90, 92 and 86, 88.
  • the base portion includes at least one latch member and the outer sleeve includes at least one mating latch member, each latch member engaging a respective mating latch member when the inner sleeve is in the position depicted in FIG. 3, and disengaging a respective mating latch member when the inner sleeve is in the position depicted in FIG. 4.
  • the base portion 28 comprises a first latch member positioned at an outer surface adjacent opening 38 and a second latch member positioned at an outer surface adjacent opening 36, the first latch member being positioned opposite the second latch member relative to longitudinal axis 18.
  • outer sleeve 14 comprises a first mating latch member aligned with the first latch member and a second mating latch member aligned with the second latch member.
  • first latch member comprises a pair of detents including a first detent 96 and a second detent 98 spaced from each other in circumferential direction 34.
  • second latch member comprises a pair of detents including a first detent 100 and a second detent 102 spaced from each other in circumferential direction 34.
  • the first mating latch member comprises a pair of catch members extending from appendage 74 and including a first catch member 104 and second catch member 106 spaced from each other in circumferential direction 34.
  • the second mating latch member comprises a pair of catch members extending from appendage 76 and including a first catch member 108 and second catch member 110 spaced from each other in circumferential direction 34.
  • Each pair of catch members engage a respective pair of detents when the outer sleeve is in the position depicted in FIG. 3 and disengage a respective pair of detents when the outer sleeve is in the position depicted in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 5A depicts two lengths 112, 114 of conventional coaxial cable having conventional connectors 116, 118 electrically and mechanically attached to respective ends thereof.
  • connector 116 is a male connector and connector 118 is a female connector.
  • the end portion 120 of male connector 116 is formed with a larger diameter than the remaining portion 122 to thereby provide an abutment surface 124 spaced from end 126.
  • the coaxial cable 114 extends through bore 16 of the connector latch 10 so that the connector latch is supported by such coaxial cable.
  • the outer sleeve 14 has been moved in the direction 70 so that the outer sleeve does not interfere with the movement of the legs 30, 32 and 56, 58, and their respective first protuberances 40, 42 and second protuberances 60, 62, towards and away from longitudinal axis 18.
  • the outer sleeve 14 has been moved in the direction 70 to the extent that the abutment surfaces 78, 80 engage respective surface pairs 90, 92 and 86, 88.
  • the female connector 118 comprises a plurality of lengths 128 which extend in the direction of axis 130 of the female connector 118, each length 128 being spaced from an adjacent length 128 in a circumferential direction relative to axis 130 to provide spaces 132 between adjacent lengths 128.
  • FIG. 5B depicts the male connector 116 electrically and mechanically connected to the female connector 118, the lengths 128 being adjacent the end 126 of the male connector 116 and a portion 134 of each space 132 extending external of male connector 116.
  • the operator grasps portions 44 and 46 of the connector latch 10 between the forefinger and thumb and exerts a force in the direction of respective arrows 48 and 50 (FIG. 2) which causes protuberances 40 and 42 to pivot away from each other in the direction of respective arrows 52 and 54.
  • the connector latch 10 is moved in the direction 68 to the axial position depicted in FIG. 5C whereupon the operator releases his grasp of the portions 44 and 46 which allows protuberances 40 and 42 to spring back towards axis 18, the resilience of legs 30 and 32 urging respective protuberances 40, 42 against abutment surface 124.
  • the resilient legs 56 and 58, and therefore protuberances 60, 62 will be cammed away from axis 18 by the engagement of protuberances 60, 62 with outer surface 136 of female connector 118 until protuberances 60, 62 are aligned with a respective length 134 of a respective space 132, at which time the protuberances 60, 62 will spring into engagement with a respective length 134 of a respective space 132.
  • the operator moves the outer sleeve 14 in the direction of arrow 68.
  • the operator may urge the distal ends of catch member 104, 106 and the distal ends of catch members 108, 110, towards each other so as to disengage such catch members from respective mating detents 96, 98 and 100, 102, and then move outer sleeve 14 in the direction 68 depicted in FIG. 5D.
  • the outer sleeve 14 is moved in direction 68 until the edge 94 of the cylindrical member 72 of outer sleeve 14 abuts the ribs 82, 84 of respective legs 30, 32 of inner member 12.
  • the protuberances 40, 42 are prevented from pivoting away from axis 18 and out of engagement with abutment surface 124 due to the fact that the legs 30, 32 will be prevented from moving away from axis 18 by engagement with inner surface 64 of cylindrical member 72.
  • the protuberances 60, 62 are prevented from pivoting away from axis 18 and out of engagement with spaces 132 due to the fact that the legs 56, 58 will be prevented from moving away from axis 18 by engagement with surfaces 138, 140 (FIG. 1) of respective appendages 76, 74.
  • the latch described herein provides a relatively inexpensive connector latch 10 and connector assembly which is simple in construction and use.
  • the connector latch 10 occupies little additional space beyond that occupied by connectors 116, 118 and requires little effort to engage and disengage.
  • tactile feedback is provided to the operator indicating that the connectors 116, 118 are properly connected. Such engagement provides improved locking of connector 116 to connector 118.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
US08/553,162 1995-11-07 1995-11-07 Connector latch and assembly Expired - Fee Related US5601446A (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/553,162 US5601446A (en) 1995-11-07 1995-11-07 Connector latch and assembly
PCT/US1996/013002 WO1997017742A1 (en) 1995-11-07 1996-08-09 Connector latch and assembly
JP9518153A JP2000500270A (ja) 1995-11-07 1996-08-09 コネクタラッチ及びコネクタアセンブリ
KR1019980703395A KR19990067385A (ko) 1995-11-07 1996-08-09 커넥터 래치 및 커넥터 조립체
EP96926941A EP0860037A4 (en) 1995-11-07 1996-08-09 CONNECTOR LOCKING ARRANGEMENT AND ITS DEVICE
CA002235578A CA2235578A1 (en) 1995-11-07 1996-08-09 Connector latch and assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/553,162 US5601446A (en) 1995-11-07 1995-11-07 Connector latch and assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5601446A true US5601446A (en) 1997-02-11

Family

ID=24208353

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/553,162 Expired - Fee Related US5601446A (en) 1995-11-07 1995-11-07 Connector latch and assembly

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5601446A (ja)
EP (1) EP0860037A4 (ja)
JP (1) JP2000500270A (ja)
KR (1) KR19990067385A (ja)
CA (1) CA2235578A1 (ja)
WO (1) WO1997017742A1 (ja)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0994531A3 (en) * 1998-09-23 2001-07-25 Osram Sylvania Inc. Connector latch
US6409534B1 (en) * 2001-01-08 2002-06-25 Tyco Electronics Canada Ltd. Coax cable connector assembly with latching housing
US6450829B1 (en) 2000-12-15 2002-09-17 Tyco Electronics Canada, Ltd. Snap-on plug coaxial connector
NL1023937C2 (nl) * 2003-07-17 2005-01-18 Framatome Connectors Int Vergrendelelement.
US6872006B2 (en) * 2000-03-03 2005-03-29 Virginia Panel Corporation Fiber optic cable assembly
US7686660B2 (en) 2008-04-10 2010-03-30 Osram Sylvania Inc. Connector and receptacle therefor
US20100107653A1 (en) * 2008-11-05 2010-05-06 Paskevich Stephen C Nozzle tip assembly with secondary retention device
US20130164965A1 (en) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Connector with rotatable latching element
US20150162737A1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2015-06-11 Tyco Electronics Corporation Splice sleeve retainers and electrical connection assemblies and methods including same
US20170125958A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 Apple Inc. Cable assemblies, systems, and methods for making the same

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5232378A (en) * 1991-09-04 1993-08-03 Neutrik Aktiengesellschaft Electrical plug-in connection
US5288243A (en) * 1991-02-20 1994-02-22 Omega Special Products, Inc. Electrical Connector
US5308261A (en) * 1993-07-13 1994-05-03 General Motors Corporation Low profile connector position assurance
US5409395A (en) * 1992-12-07 1995-04-25 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Connector

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4940424A (en) * 1989-05-05 1990-07-10 Odbert Larry E Electrical plug accessory
US5013258A (en) * 1990-01-29 1991-05-07 G.K.I. Latching assembly for a light bulb and electrical socket
JP2555703Y2 (ja) * 1991-05-27 1997-11-26 住友電装株式会社 点火ケーブル端末の抜け止め装置
US5382177A (en) * 1991-11-21 1995-01-17 The Whitaker Corporation Connector housing with improved latch members
JPH05315028A (ja) * 1992-05-08 1993-11-26 I T T Canon:Kk コネクタ
US5435742A (en) * 1994-02-14 1995-07-25 Molex Incorporated Electrical connector position assurance system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5288243A (en) * 1991-02-20 1994-02-22 Omega Special Products, Inc. Electrical Connector
US5232378A (en) * 1991-09-04 1993-08-03 Neutrik Aktiengesellschaft Electrical plug-in connection
US5409395A (en) * 1992-12-07 1995-04-25 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Connector
US5308261A (en) * 1993-07-13 1994-05-03 General Motors Corporation Low profile connector position assurance

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0994531A3 (en) * 1998-09-23 2001-07-25 Osram Sylvania Inc. Connector latch
US6872006B2 (en) * 2000-03-03 2005-03-29 Virginia Panel Corporation Fiber optic cable assembly
US6450829B1 (en) 2000-12-15 2002-09-17 Tyco Electronics Canada, Ltd. Snap-on plug coaxial connector
US6409534B1 (en) * 2001-01-08 2002-06-25 Tyco Electronics Canada Ltd. Coax cable connector assembly with latching housing
NL1023937C2 (nl) * 2003-07-17 2005-01-18 Framatome Connectors Int Vergrendelelement.
WO2005015694A3 (en) * 2003-07-17 2005-04-28 Framatome Connectors Int Locking element
US20070059962A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2007-03-15 Gabrielsson Per G Locking element
US7285005B2 (en) 2003-07-17 2007-10-23 Fci Locking element for an electrical connector
US7686660B2 (en) 2008-04-10 2010-03-30 Osram Sylvania Inc. Connector and receptacle therefor
US20100107653A1 (en) * 2008-11-05 2010-05-06 Paskevich Stephen C Nozzle tip assembly with secondary retention device
US9464808B2 (en) * 2008-11-05 2016-10-11 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Nozzle tip assembly with secondary retention device
US20130164965A1 (en) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Connector with rotatable latching element
US20150162737A1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2015-06-11 Tyco Electronics Corporation Splice sleeve retainers and electrical connection assemblies and methods including same
US9337632B2 (en) * 2013-12-09 2016-05-10 Tyco Electronics Corporation Splice sleeve retainer with three coupling members for securing a sleeve to an electrical joint body
US20170125958A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 Apple Inc. Cable assemblies, systems, and methods for making the same
US9923323B2 (en) * 2015-10-30 2018-03-20 Apple Inc. Cable assemblies, systems, and methods for making the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR19990067385A (ko) 1999-08-16
EP0860037A4 (en) 1999-01-27
EP0860037A1 (en) 1998-08-26
CA2235578A1 (en) 1997-05-15
WO1997017742A1 (en) 1997-05-15
JP2000500270A (ja) 2000-01-11

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REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
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Effective date: 20010211

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362